The Marmeleiro Project Uses Genetics to Raise Milk Production

A dairy-production project in Marmeleiro, in Paraná state, is bringing together animal genetics, technology and management. The initiative was presented on Tuesday the 4th and was developed jointly by Sebrae/PR and the Marmeleiro municipal government.

The project will use genomic evaluation to identify animals with greater production potential. That information will form a basis for genetic improvement among the small-scale producers taking part.

Cesar Giovani Colini, manager of Sebrae/PR’s Southern Regional Office, said the work could help increase both milk productivity and quality. He said the programme would be carried out in an integrated manner, bringing knowledge and information to producers on their farms.

Genetics is one part of the initiative. It also includes improvements to farm management and the adoption of technologies designed to support decisions and improve results. The proposal calls on producers to plan production more carefully, control costs, and seek higher productivity and greater added value in their milk.

Keila Valandro, director of Marmeleiro’s Department of Agriculture and Supply, described the project as progress for the municipality’s dairy-cattle sector. The stated aim is to strengthen the activity by expanding the tools available to producers.

Gustavo Castanha, a rural producer, is among the participants. He joined because the project offered an opportunity to improve production and obtain more information for decisions on his farm. Castanha said the monitoring could improve the herd’s performance and make the operation more efficient and profitable.

The project is intended to address not only the animals but also the way production is managed. Its stated areas of work include genetic-potential assessment, planning, cost control and farm management, with the initiative also linked by its organisers to Marmeleiro’s dairy chain, the municipality’s economic development and the results of rural families.